Haryana power workers protest online transfer policy, privatisation plans

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Surjit Singh Bedi, chief adviser of the union, revealed that the employees had written a letter to the Managing Director (MD) of the department, urging him not to implement the online transfer policy. Although the MD initially agreed to their request, the policy was eventually enforced, sparking widespread anger among employees across Haryana.

During the protest, Manmohan Singh criticised the Centre’s efforts to privatise profitable power companies, accusing them of selling these entities to favoured capitalists. He noted that even profitable electricity departments in Chandigarh are being targeted for privatisation under the BJP government in Haryana.

Sukhdev Singh, state press secretary, also condemned the Centre’s plan to transfer Chandigarh’s electricity department to a private company — a move opposed by all employee unions. He criticised the sale of profitable power assets in Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi, arguing that these were being handed over to private entities for a pittance. The National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees Federation is leading resistance against these privatisation efforts nationwide.

Madanlal, district president, criticised the Haryana Government for halting transfers for Group C-D employees over the past decade. He argued that this policy has made it difficult for employees facing health or family challenges to request transfers.

Union leaders also demanded the establishment of an eighth separate Pay Commission for Haryana, the reinstatement of the old pension system, regularisation of temporary employees and recruitment of permanent staff to fill vacant positions. A series of protests and demonstrations have been planned for February 1, 2, 8 and 9, during which employees will submit memorandums to all legislators and ministers. A two-day Mahapadav (mass sit-in) is also scheduled at the CM’s Camp Office in Kurukshetra on February 15 and 16.

The union’s demands include filling vacant positions, providing risk allowances, halting the privatisation of departments and forming a separate pay commission for the state. Union members expressed strong opposition to the online transfer policy, arguing that it has caused undue hardship for employees.